Follow the instructions

You are probably wondering how this made a list. It is crucial if an employer tells you to do something a certain way, do it.

When I was helping people build their resumes and complete their applications at the Workforce Center, I had several people who thought it was OK to just do what they wanted and not follow the directions given to them by the employer.

This often happens with civil service and other job applications. They want to know whether you’ll do what they ask, whether it makes sense or not. Or will you ignore them and do things your way? This is also a point to once again bring up the deadlines. If you miss a deadline on a civil service application, you will not be considered.

I have tried explaining this to people just to hear them tell me that they know better, that they will do it their own way, and that they will send it in whether it’s going to be late or not. I can tell you that people with these attitudes do not hear back from the companies they turn things into.

If you want to work for someone, whether civil service or the 711 down the street, start by doing what they ask you to do.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof